I can’t say I enjoyed this one very much. The biography was only mildly entertaining to me. Reading about her experiences as she photographed other cultures was somewhat interesting. I thought the drawings were more eye catching than most of the photographs, which there were so few of. The iguana photo was pretty neat however. But, perhaps, overall, it just wasn’t the book for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the review opportunity.

This is a good book to introduce someone who may not be very well known, and for people who want to read a different life story, but do not enjoy typical biographies. It would be very useful for a book report or school project for high school students. It was an eye-opening book because I got to read about someone I had never heard of and understand some different viewpoints of life and other cultures.

I didn’t know this photograph before but I was happy to get to know her through this very interesting comic book.

I really liked this format for biographies, it really helped me focus on it, while I fall asleep reading usual biographies……

Not a photographer I was familiar with. This a stunningly creative depiction of her evolution as an artist, a mix of story, poetry, photos, and graphic novel.

Clearly based on the cover, this book is full of gorgeous art.
However, this book is in black and white, because that is what photographer Graciela Iturbide believes reality is - black and white.

This is around 90 or so pages of a very brief history of the rise and work of Graciela Iturbide. The pages are a mix of simplistic comics composed of interviews done with Graciela, as well as a few of her actual photographs.

There is additional information about her life as well as references to additional reading material provided after the comic portion is completed.

I love this concept. I love the ability to learn about someone new to me in a graphic novel form, and I love that her work was incorporated into this book. This was really well done and I hope to see way more books published like this. I'm definitely feeling inclined to learn some more about Graciela Iturbide, and view more of her photographs.

*A copy of this book was received for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a beautiful biography of Graciela Iturbide's life up until now, a photographer who before reading this I knew nothing about. I'm glad I got the chance to read more out her life, and to see the stunning images she has taken.
The book is filled with thought provoking messages, illustrations and photos taken by Graciela Iturbide. It allowed me to have a glimpse into her life, to see the passion and dedication behind every image she has taken.
Overall I enjoyed this biography, it allows the readers to get to know an amazingly talented photographer. This graphic novel is a lovely introduction into Graciela Iturbide's work, the authors did an excellent job. I recommend this to any fans of Graciela Iturbide, those interested in photography, or those who love a good thought provoking graphic novel.

The art of this graphic novel is beautiful, but it barely compares to the photographs taken by Graciela Iturbide. I was astonished that I'd never heard of this amazing photographer and incredibly glad that the authors of this volume provided a list of references for exploring her work. The photos are gorgeous, even when the subject matter is a bit rough. (I was not, for example, prepared for a beautifully composed but still disturbing shot of someone holding a slaughtered goat.) I can't recommend this book strongly enough as an introduction to Iturbide's life and photographs.

A wonderful introduction to an amazing Mexican artist. Quintero's poetic writing and Pena's illustrations are a delight. I loved the inclusion of Graciellas photography too. A superb Art graphic novel!

I hadn't heard of this photographer before, but this graphic novel has certainly made me curious about her pictures. I loved the artwork and the story was great too. What I loved most was how they added actual photographs in the novel. Like I said, I'll be checking out Graciela Iturbide's photography very soon!

The artwork is lovely and I savored every illustration.

This is an amazing biography in graphic novel form. In such a short number of pages and images, we get to see and feel the life of a photographer whose artwork are unique and underrated. She also brings awareness to life as a Mexican in the US and its struggles. It's moving.

This spoke to me in a deep way.

I am still processing it, because as a Mexican woman it hit me deep to read about a fellow Mexican woman who has become internationally renowned for her art and her vision of our very unique culture. There just are not enough books like this ESPECIALLY in beautiful graphic novel form that incorporates both the artists actual works with new images interpreted by a new author.

Definite recommend!

“For Iturbide, the camera is just a pretext for knowing the world.” That quote’s not in the book, but when I did research on a photographer I’ve never heard of . . . couldn’t pass it up.
After an intro that’s quite a bit overdone, first story isn’t all that interesting, and the prose is mysterious without a cause. It’s trying to be poetic, but doesn’t say anything, too hoity-toity for its own good. The drawings are so far more impressive than the photos.
The Medusa head of iguanas was awesome, but that’s it. The photos are wonderfully grainy, but there aren’t many. And to be perfectly honest, as a professional photographer of more than 25 years, I can’t say I’m impressed by what’s shown here.
2.5 pushed up to 3/5

This is an exquisite work, encompassed in less than 100 pages and chronicling snapshots of the life of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide. In deference to the black and white photography that is the signature of Señora Iturbide, this biography is illustrated in grayscale.

For me, this book is mesmerizing in the succinct narrative that accompanies the graphics, which simultaneously invites introspection while delivering metaphysical treasures. It is as though the reader is both the template and the imprint borne from it. In spite of this book’s brevity, the author and illustrator were able to distill and transfigure Señora Iturbide’s philosophy and worldview, and give form to an abstraction – not unlike a captured photograph within a frame – and did so magnificently.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2237036285

A poetic and dream-like journey through the personal history and photographs of Graciela Iturbide, a famous photographer in Mexico.

There's an emphasis on Graciela's fascination with birds, and how her thoughts on flight and wings inspired and influenced much of her work. There's an ethereal feeling to each page, with drawings showing both the photographer and reproductions of her photographs.

I loved the importance of heritage and cultural identity in the story, since Graciela is best known for her photographs showing Mexican life. There is some dialogue and basic words in Spanish, so you might benefit from knowing just a little Spanish, but it's not necessary to understand the book. I am fluent in Spanish, but some of the words were slang that I didn't know, and I had to look up some of them. I appreciate that this adds to the rich cultural feel of the book, but I wish the words had been explained or translated somewhere so that the beautiful language and culture could be accessible to more people.

I guess I was expecting more of a story, but this was more like a exposition of her photographs, the places she traveled to take photos, and the other artists who influenced her work. I would have enjoyed it more if it had told a story, a drama, about her life. Her family is very briefly mentioned, but I wish there had been more story-telling.

Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

This is a wonderful introduction to the very important Mexican artist/photographer, Graciela Iturbide. Ms Iturbide committed herself to immersion in place and culture. Her photographs capture and share the spirit from her remarkable journeys. They are surreal, beautiful and evocative. The graphic novel is beautifully written. The illustrations appear to be rotoscoped, a technique that clearly shows a connection with Ms Iturbide’s remarkable memory imagery, but which lacks the visceral punch of the photographs. Illustrating the book in this manner demonstrates how the artistic and poetic power of the photographs transcends literal description. A must read for lovers of fine photography and Mexico.

Stunning and magnificent portrayal of a stunning and magnificent person.

One and a half stars. This biography of a Mexican photographer didn't convince me as to how special her work was, and what's worse, was written as a prime contender for Pseud's Corner.

Photographic is a layout of Graciela Iturbide's childhood background, her past works, and the philosophy behind how and why she takes pictures.

WHO WOULD ENJOY READING IT?
Photographers, writers, painters, and other creatives can benefit from a master photographer's insights about her motivations, how she sees, and her work preparation.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT IT
Learning about what drives us is a lifelong occupation. However, elderly artists have more experience and more valuable things to say about this since they've come way up the road. It is a privilege to catch a glimpse how Graciela perceives herself in relation to she photographs. For me, it is clear see why she's had a long career and still keeps going despite her age.

.......

Photographic: The Life Of Graciela Iturbide by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Pena is available to buy from on all major online bookstores.

Many thanks to Getty Publications for review copy.